World Rugby and Gilbert have unveiled the official match ball for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 as the tournament marks 20 days to go.
Sporting the distinctive tournament look, the Match-XV is the most technically-advanced and performance-tested ball ever used at the pinnacle event in the women’s 15s game.
The announcement of Gilbert as an official supplier extends the brand leader’s association with the major properties in the women’s game, which also includes the HSBC World Rugby Women’s Sevens Series and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games within an impressive portfolio.
Gilbert have also supplied the match balls to every Women’s Rugby World Cup since 1991 and the Match-XV ball’s renowned surface compound enhances grip without compromising subtlety or durability.
World Rugby Chairman, Bill Beaumont said: “With just 20 days to go until Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 gets underway, today’s announcement furthers excitement as the teams prepare to depart for Dublin.”
“We are delighted to be extending our long-standing partnership with Gilbert as official match ball supplier and I am sure that the ball will play its full part in what promises to be an exciting and highly-competitive Women’s Rugby World Cup.”
Gilbert Rugby Global Sales and Marketing Director Richard Gray added: “We are proud of our partnership with Women’s Rugby World Cup and the opportunity to provide the world’s top players with their preferred ball. The Match-XV ball is proven to combine Gilbert’s unique record of innovation with over 190 years of experience in producing rugby balls at the highest level, all around the world.
“We can be sure the tournament will be a wonderful celebration of the exciting growth of women’s rugby and we wish the organisers and all teams the very best of luck.”
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 takes place in Dublin and Belfast from 9-26 August.